Every time fast Sunday come around we hear this phrase. Sometimes we might even think we would like to bear our testimony. Have you ever felt that you’d like to bear your testimony, but you aren’t quite sure where to find it?

I remember as a young Deacon that I would love to be the person that ran the mic around. We don’t do that much now, but back then you just stood up and I would run a mic to you and you could bear your testimony from there.

For me, it was such a fun way to spend sacrament meeting.

Didn’t have to sit by my brother.

Didn’t get bored.

And never had to worry about bearing my testimony (the guy with the mic just never did that!)

Now, there isn’t that luxury. And nearly every fast meeting there is that little stress of if I’m going to bear my testimony. If I have something to say. And what exactly I believe with all my heart that I would say.

Today, let’s do a quick check on our own testimonies.

Don’t Worry. It’s a Process.

Bonnie Oscarson reminded us that,

True conversion is a process that takes place over a period of time and involves a willingness to exercise faith. (Do I Believe?, April 2016)

This sounds a lot like how Alma said he got his testimony.

“Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true. (Alma 5:46)

So, if you are struggling, don’t worry! We all grow our testimonies and it is a lifelong process. Celebrate where you are. And keep growing.

Am I focused on the right things?

In growing our testimonies, there are a few key areas to focus on. President Uctdorf taught,

A testimony is very personal and may be a little different for each of us, because everyone is a unique person. However, a testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ will always include these clear and simple truths:

· God lives. He is our loving Father in Heaven, and we are His children.

· Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and the Savior of the world.

· Joseph Smith is the prophet of God through whom the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored in the latter days.

· The Book of Mormon is the word of God.

· President [Russell M. Nelson], his counselors, and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are the prophets, seers, and revelators in our day.

That is the start. If we can confidently testify of God, Jesus, Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and a modern prophet, we are on a solid and powerful foundation.

This is the beginning of every testimony that we try to teach to children and teens. It is the ongoing foundation where we can build our lives knowing we are building on a solid and true testimony.

Comfort and Peace in Your Testimony

This gave me such great comfort. I might not always be able to testify of every principle or doctrine, every rule and policy of the Church, but I can always come back to that foundation of God, the Savior, and the prophets and know I can find peace, comfort, and stability.

Peace I leave with you. Come unto me all ye that labor…and ye shall find rest. The wiseman built his house upon the rock. God wants us to have this peace, comfort and stability in our own lives.

But what if…

If you feel weak in one of these areas, what can you do?

I will share that in my Sunday Studies next week! We will cover, “How to Build Your Testimony.”

But I want to hear from you on how you have done it!

Application Invitation

If you are reading this from Sunday Studies, reply to the email with a thought on how you have built your testimony of the thing President Uchtdorf mentioned. If you are reading this on the Help Me Understand The Book of Mormon blog, respond in the comments.